Rash Fest 8, held on Halloween night at the Masonic Temple (616 Graham Ave., Eau Claire), was an electric — and eclectic — event to celebrate the region’s alternative, artistic and inclusive “underground creatives.”

Organized once again by members of Eau Claire's do-it-yourself punk-rock band, Gash, this year's festival featured a dozen musicians from the Chippewa Valley and beyond.

The night kicked off with Astronotever, who delivered “chain punk” tracks enhanced by beaming lasers and immersive effects. Rash Fest’s lineup continued with Minneapolis-based artists Wrought and Count Spookula — among others — who brought electronic dance music to the stage with spooky twists.

As the Masonic Temple basement filled with an array of humorous- and horror-themed costumed attendees, Chippewa Valley’s own Gash and Lesh — “basically legends at this point,” one attendee said — concluded the evening with collaborative reimaginings of their well-known tracks.

Adding to the analog experience, visuals were played on archival box-television throughout the respective music sets in the Masonic Temple basement.

Beyond the music, Rash Fest 8 embraced its indie and analog roots with various activities throughout the venue. Attendees could play themed pinball machines provided by Nudge magazine, an “epic destimulation zone” for arts, crafts and rare Rash Fest memorabilia.

Food and drink were available for purchase, along with a band merchandise area which showcased local art vendors including the Odd House and See/Saw newsletter.

Lucky attendees even acquired a limited edition lighter, hand-crafted by mixed-media artist Meat Castle; a token to represent each year in Rash Fest's history.

Needless to say, this all-ages event was a vibrant display of punk rock music with an abundance of PBR and dive-bar drinks, creative costumes and enough cigarette (and special effects) smoke to bring tears to your eyes.